Planning your Mount Meru trek begins long before you set foot on the trail. For many travelers, one of the biggest expenses is getting to Arusha, northern Tanzania the gateway city for Mount Meru and other great Tanzanian adventures. With a little planning and smart strategies, you can find cheap flights to Arusha, saving money that you can spend on your trek, safari, or cultural experiences.
Here’s your guide to finding the best flight deals for your Mount Meru journey.
Why Arusha Is the Best Arrival Point
Arusha is the most popular base for Mount Meru trekkers because of its:
- Proximity to Momella Gate, the starting point for hikes
- Easy access to Arusha National Park
- Great transport links to safari destinations like Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Shuttle and tour options from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Most international travelers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is only about 1.5–2 hours from Arusha. Arusha also has a smaller regional airport (ARK), but it is mainly served by domestic flights.
Understanding where you are flying into helps you choose the best routes and flight deals.
1. Start Searching Early
Booking your flights well in advance is one of the most reliable ways to secure lower fares. Aim to search:
- 3–6 months before travel for international flights
- 1–3 months before travel for regional or domestic flights
Airlines typically release seats at lower prices earlier, so planning ahead increases your chances of finding deals.
2. Use Flight Search Engines and Alerts
Flight search engines are essential tools for tracking deals. Popular options include:
- Aggregator sites that compare multiple airlines
- Tools that let you set price alerts for specific routes
- Flexible date calendars that show the cheapest days to fly
Setting alerts for multiple departure airports (e.g., your home airport and nearby cities) can help you catch price drops.
3. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
Flexibility is key to finding cheap flights:
- Traveling during shoulder seasons like April–May or November often results in lower fares.
- Mid‑week departures (Tuesday or Wednesday) tend to be cheaper than weekend flights.
- Flights with a longer layover sometimes cost less than direct or tight connections.
If your schedule allows a day or two of flexibility, you can save significantly on airfare.
4. Consider Flight Routes With Stopovers
Direct flights are convenient, but they are often more expensive. For cheaper options:
- Look for flights with stopovers in major hubs like Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, or Dubai
- Consider long layovers if the savings are significant
- Book separate legs (e.g., to a hub then to Kilimanjaro) if it cuts costs
These strategies require more planning but can make your journey more affordable.
5. Compare Airlines and Loyalty Programs
Different airlines offer varying prices and benefits. When searching for flights to Tanzania:
- Compare international carriers like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Emirates, and Ethiopian Airlines
- Sign up for frequent flyer programs to earn miles or points
- Use airline credit card rewards or promotions for added savings
Taking advantage of loyalty programs can reduce overall travel cost in the long term.
6. Check Regional and Domestic Flight Options
For travelers already in Africa or nearby regions, domestic flights may be more affordable:
- Fly into Dar es Salaam or Nairobi, then take a regional carrier to Kilimanjaro or Arusha
- Compare prices on regional airlines
- Combine travel modes (bus + flight) for better deals
Always factor in transit time and cost when combining transport modes.
7. Use Budget Travel Tools and Apps
There are apps and websites designed to help you find the best travel deals, including:
- Price comparison tools
- Travel calendar views showing cheapest dates
- Flash sale alerts
- Newsletter deals from airlines
Utilizing these tools increases your chances of snagging last-minute or discounted flights.
Plan Your Mount Meru Trek With Tanzania Hiking
Once you’ve found cheap flights to Arusha, Tanzania Hiking is ready to help you plan your Mount Meru trek with expert guides, park permits, accommodations, and transportation. We make sure your journey from arrival to summit is smooth and unforgettable.
- Email: info@tanzaniahiking.com
- WhatsApp: +255 752 213 715 / +255 754 557 877
Request a Quote for Your Mount Meru Adventure
Ready to book your flights and start your Mount Meru trek?
Fill out the request‑a‑quote form below, and our team will create a custom itinerary aligned with your travel dates, budget, and interests.
